For decades, Central London postcodes such as Mayfair, Belgravia and Knightsbridge have been synonymous with status and exclusivity. But as the lifestyle priorities of the world’s most affluent families evolve, so too does their definition of“prime”. Increasingly, ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) are turning their attention south-west and not just for the elegant homes, verdant parkland and riverside living, but for the educational opportunities that are proving decisive.
According to The Times’ schools guide, 15 out of the top 20 schools in the joint league table of independent and state school exam performance are in the capital, with many in or easily accessible from Wandsworth, Battersea and Clapham. As highlighted in the piece Why High-Net-Worth Buyers Are Choosing South West London Over Central London, these families are no longer prioritising postcodes alone; they’re seeking lifestyle and long-term value.
In this guide, we uncover some of the most sought-after schools that are attracting HNW families to the area.
Top 5 Secondary Schools
St Paul’s School, Barnes
Perhaps known as the most prestigious boys’ school in the UK, St. Paul’s School was founded in 1509 and is still setting the gold standard for academic excellence.
The school consistently delivers excellent academic outcomes and in 2024, 95.4% of A Level results were between A* and B, while 96.1% of GCSE grades were 7 to 9. The institution also boasts an impressive list of alumni, including former Chancellor George Osborne, broadcaster Dan Snow and actor Rory Kinnear.
King’s College School, Wimbledon
Located right next to the scenic Wimbledon Common, King’s College School is an independent day school educating boys aged 7 to 18, with girls joining at the sixth form level. The school was established in 1829 by royal charter and proudly positions itself among the global academic elite, currently holding the title of the Independent International Baccalaureate School of the Year in 2025.
Its academic track record is remarkable, with 96.9% of A Level grades being A* to B and 96.5% of GCSE results falling within the top 7 to 9 range in 2024.
The Harrodian, Barnes
A co-educational independent school catering to students from ages 4 through to 18, The Harrodian is located on an expansive 25-acre riverside campus in Barnes. In 2024, its academic outcomes were impressive with 86% of A Level grades falling between A* and B, with nearly half at A*/A.
The school often operates at full capacity, which is a clear indication of its appeal among families in the area; however, admission can be competitive, a testament to its strong academic results.
Tiffin Girls’ School, Kingston
Based in Kingston upon Thames, The Tiffin Girls’ School is a top-performing grammar school for girls aged 11 to 18, currently holding the 5th position of secondary schools in the UK and outperforming many fee-paying rivals.
The school values inclusivity, independent thinking, and creativity, with a robust extracurricular program to complement its academic curriculum. A key indicator of the school's success lies in its results, with 94% of students receiving GCSE grades of 7 and above.
Ibstock Place School, Roehampton
Set in a glorious parkland campus, Ibstock is a private co-ed day school welcoming students from ages 4 to 18. The school has transformed from a lesser-known option into a top pick for many families in the area. The school’s ethos prioritises guiding students to reach their full potential without the pressure of an overly intense academic environment. Yet still, at GCSE level, 88% of results were within grades 9 to 7.
Top 5 Primary Schools in South West London
Broomwood Prep, Wandsworth
Found across four sites near Wandsworth Common, Broomwood Prep offers both co‑educational Pre‑Prep and single-sex Prep education. The school is renowned for its academic strength, evidenced by 42 senior school scholarships in 2024 and praised by ISI as “excellent in all areas”.
Children enjoy specialist teaching in French, computing, music, sport and the arts, supported by a program of extra‑curricular activities from crafts and coding to fencing and choir alongside regular trips and workshops. The school is part of the Dukes Education Group and popular among families seeking access to institutions like Eton, St Paul’s or Wycombe Abbey.
Belleville Primary School, Clapham
Belleville Primary School stands out as an institution celebrated for its inclusive ethos and academic strength. With an unwavering commitment to both personal growth and achievement, the school consistently delivers strong results in national assessments, particularly in English and Mathematics.
Belleville’s well-rounded curriculum balances core academic subjects whilst students can benefit from an enriching selection of extracurricular programmes that range from competitive sports and instrumental music to multilingual language clubs, including French and Spanish.
St Luke's CofE Primary School, Kingston
St Luke’s Church of England Primary School is a thriving one-form-entry school that is rated 10th in the top primary schools in London and 23rd in the national ranking. The school demonstrates a clear focus on academic achievement and consistently delivers above-average results in core subjects, particularly in reading and mathematics.
Outdoor learning and physical wellbeing are woven into the fabric of school life and offer access to play areas and regular educational visits that aim to enhance real-world learning.
The Roche School, Wandsworth
The Roche independent primary school offers education where creativity and personal development take priority. With small class sizes at its core, the school tailors learning to each child’s unique strengths and needs, to truly personalise their experience.
Pupils continue to achieve places at top London schools. From 2021 to 2024, pupils were awarded 73 scholarships in the 11+ at schools including King's College, Emanuel, Godolphin and Latymer.
Emotional well-being is woven into daily school life, with mindfulness practices and a strong emphasis on mental health aimed to instill a balanced and resilient mindset within every student.
Newton Prep, Battersea
Newton Prep is a leading independent school for children aged 3 to 13. Located in the heart of Battersea, the school is set within a spacious, purpose-built campus and offers a forward-thinking curriculum that blends traditional rigour with imaginative, thematic learning, particularly through its bespoke Newton Prep Diploma.
Pupils benefit from specialist teaching in subjects such as French, computing, music and the arts from an early age, while an impressive co-curricular programme of over 40 clubs promotes talents in everything from fencing and coding to drama and mindfulness.
Honeywell Junior School, Battersea
Honeywell Junior School is one of London’s most sought-after state primaries, known best for its outstanding academic results and supportive community ethos.
The school provides consistently high achievement in literacy and numeracy and many pupils progress to selective grammar and top independent schools. The school offers a broad and well-rounded curriculum that is enriched by specialist teaching, strong arts and sciences provision, alongside a wide range of extracurricular clubs.
The presence of exceptional schools gives these properties added resonance and long-term value. For UHNW families and in an age where space, security and schooling matter more than ever, South West London offers the ultimate trinity, and for those building not just a home, but a legacy in the capital, there is no smarter investment.
